| Munnar is a serene hill
station in the Kannan Devan hills. For those who do not
want to be surrounded by crowds, Munnar is one of the
best destinations that could be selected. The place has
greenery, lakes, reservoirs and some of the highest tea
estates in the world. The place also has good facilities
for adventure sports. Munnar is located in the eastern
part of Kerala at an altitude of 1524 meters.
Accommodation and Connectivity
The nearest airport and railhead from Munnar is Kochi
at a distance of 130 kms. However, Munnar has good road
connectivity with the rest of the state. Both Madurai
and Coimbatore are at a time distance of 6 hours from
Munnar.
As Munnar does not witness any heavy rush of tourists,
finding accommodation is not much of a problem. However,
during the peak season, it is always advisable to be
on the safer side by booking accommodation well in advance.
Tourist Attractions
The Virgin Forests and Tea Plantations
Munnar provides a great panoramic view of the unadulterated
forests and hills. Quiet walks and hiking around this
small hill station offers an unique experience. The
lush green tea estates of Munnar offer another thrilling
experience to the tourist. One can witness and learn
the entire tea making process right from plucking to
processing and packaging of tea at the Kundale tea plantation.
Anaimudi
Anaimudi, the highest peak of Southern India at an
altitude of 2,695 m from the sea level can be viewed
from Munnar.
Christ Church
The Christ Church constructed by the British in the
year 1910 has been built entirely with stone and fitted
with stain glass windows. There are a number of brass
plaques in memory of the earlier tea planters of the
town.
National Adventure Foundation
It becomes almost mandatory to make a mention of The
National Adventure Foundation while listing the attractions
of Munnar. The foundation conducts courses on paragliding
for the adventure lover. Boating in the sparkling lakes
of Munnar is another option available for the tourists.
Excursion Delights
Evarikulam National Park 16 kms from Munnar is the
beautiful Evarikulam National Park. The park is the
home of elephants, lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri
tahr, a rare mountain goat. The adjoining Rajamala Hills
can also be explored.
Marayoor
A place with an abundance of sandalwood tress, Marayoor
at a distance of 42 km from Munnar is also visited by
a large number of tourists.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
Another wildlife sanctuary accessible from Munnar is
the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is at a distance
of 52 kms from Munnar. The sanctuary is the natural
habitat of elephants, leopards and bear.
The Mudapetty Dam
The Mudapetty Dam at a distance of 10 kms from Munnar
is a popular picnic spot. Boating and horse riding facilities
are available at the place.
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